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By DARRYL STERDAN, QMI Agency
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Out with the old tunes and in with the new. Here are the 11 most-anticipated albums of 2011 -- and 75 more that could be on the way. But before you mark the calendar, remember: Everything is subject to change.
11. The Strokes, TBA
Their 2006 release First Impressions of Earth didn't make a good impression on fans or critics. So this long-awaited fourth album -- singer Julian Casablancas said the first few songs sounded like a blend of '70s rock and "music from the future" -- could be a make-or-break effort for the New York City hipsters.
10. Van Halen, TBA
Jump back, what's that sound? If rumours are true, it's the roar of David Lee Roth reuniting with Van Halen for their first album since 1984 (the year and the disc). Sure, it sucks that bassist Michael Anthony is on the outs these days. But if that's the price we have to pay to be rid of Sammy Hagar, so be it.
9. Foo Fighters, TBA
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Dave Grohl has called the Foos' seventh studio set their heaviest and most rocking record. Judging by the presence of Nevermind producer Butch Vig, the return of Foos/Germs guitarist Pat Smear, and a reported cameo by former Nirvana bandmate Krist Novoselic, it sounds like it could be a blast from the past.
8. Kanye West & Jay-Z, Watch the Throne
The title isn't carved in stone -- in some reports it's Watch My Throne -- but there's no doubt this summit meeting between Yeezy (whose My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was hailed as one of 2010's greatest albums) and Jigga (who still hasn't lost his edge despite his success) will be the rap pairing of 2011.
7. The Cars, Sharp Subtle Flavor
On the one hand, this won't be a full Cars reunion since it doesn't include singer-bassist Ben Orr, who died of cancer in 2000. On the other, it does include praying mantis guitarist Ric Ocasek -- who wrote virtually all the new wave heroes' material. Either way, it should help us forget about The New Cars.
6. Dr. Dre, Detox
Nearly eight years on and off in the making, this album from the superstar producer and former NWA member has become the Chinese Democracy of West Coast gangsta-rap. Dre claimed in November that it will finally be out in February -- all he has left to do is "start the mixing process." On second thought, never mind.
5. Coldplay, TBA
Chris Martin and co. have reteamed with Viva la Vida producer Brian Eno for their fifth album, said to be a more acoustic and intimate affair. "I don't think what we do next will be a big extravaganza," is how Martin put it to me on their last tour. "But it will be something good." The title, he recently and playfully added, may with M.
4. U2, Songs of Ascent
Depending on who, what and which interview you believe, the Irish arena-rockers' latest could be a) Leftovers and discards from No Line on the Horizon; b) A sister release to No Line; c) A meditative album about pilgrimage; d) An album of club music; e) Co-produced by will.i.am and/or Danger Mouse; f) Out in spring. Or not.
3. Lady Gaga, Born This Way
Displaying her usual subtlety and humility, the pop phenom recently promised that this spring's sophomore full-length will be "the greatest album of this decade ... something so much deeper than a wig or lipstick or an outfit, or a f---ing meat dress." That reminds me: Does anyone remember what it is that pride goeth before?
2. Beastie Boys, Hot Sauce Committee, Vol. 2
Originally slated for the fall of 2009, Vol. 1 was delayed indefinitely while Adam (MCA) Yauch was treated for a cancerous tumour. Now that he's up and around, the mischievous rappers have scheduled a spring release for Vol. 2 -- featuring all 16 tracks that were supposed to be on Vol. 1. That ought to clear things up.
1. Radiohead, TBA
Drummer Phil Selway coyly told me in September that the groundbreaking British art-rockers' eighth studio album was "kind of" finished, and that it "used a very different methodology than In Rainbows." What that means, when we'll hear it and how it will be released is anybody's guess. But you can bet it will be interesting.
... and 75 more albums to look forward to in 2011:
CONFIRMED SIGHTINGS
January
Gregg Allman, Low Country Blues (The southern rocker's first in 14 years).
Blondie, The Panic of Girls
Edie Brickell, Edie Brickell
British Sea Power, Valhalla Dancehall
Cake, Showroom of Compassion (Their first in seven years)
Cold War Kids, Mine Is Yours
The Decemberists, The King Is Dead
Destroyer, Kaputt
The Get Up Kids, These Are Rules
Iron and Wine, Kiss Each Other Clean (The troubadour's first major-label release)
Wanda Jackson, The Party Ain't Over (The rockabilly queen's return was produced by Jack White)
Corinne Bailey Rae, The Love EP
Social Distortion, Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes (First in six years)
Wire, Red Barked Tree
Robin Zander, Countryside Blvd. (Solo album from Cheap Trick frontman)
February
Adele , 21
... And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Tao of the Dead
Bright Eyes, The People's Key
Bush, Everything Always Now (Gavin Rossdale and co. return after nine years)
Crowbar, Sever the Wicked Hand
The Dears, Degeneration Street
Drive-By Truckers, Go-Go Boots (Companion album to 2010's Big To-Do)
Duran Duran, All You Need Is Now (Released online in December)
Matthew Friedberger, Solos (The first of eight albums in 2011)
PJ Harvey, Let England Shake
Alison Krauss & Union Station, TBA (Her first release since Raising Sand)
The Low Anthem, Smart Flesh
Ricky Martin, TBA
Mogwai, Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will
The Streets, Computers And Blues
Teddy Thompson, Bella
March
Marianne Faithfull, Horses and High Heels (Guests include Lou Reed, Dr. John and Wayne Kramer)
Lupe Fiasco | LASERS (Love Always Shines Everytime, Remember to Smile)
The Human League | Credo
Avril Lavigne | Goodbye Lullaby
Lykke Li | Wounded Rhymes
J Mascis | Several Shades of Why
Stevie Nicks | TBA (Produced by Dave Stewart)
Ron Sexsmith | Long Player, Late Bloomer (Produced by Bob Rock)
Britney Spears | TBA
Lucinda Williams | Blessed
April
The Fixx, Something Ahead of You (First album since 2003)
R.E.M., Collapse Into Now
Paul Simon, So Beautiful or So What
May
Lindsey Buckingham, TBA
Rodney Crowell, TBA
Also due this spring:
Fiona Apple, TBA
Bangles, TBA
Blink-182, TBA
Death Cab For Cutie, Codes & Keys
Evanescence, TBA
Fleet Foxes, TBA
Peter Gabriel, New Blood
Gang of Four, Content (Their first album of new material in 16 years)
Lenny Kravitz, Negrophilia
Lil Wayne, Tha Carter IV
Jeff Lynne, TBA (First solo album since 1991)
My Morning Jacket, TBA
No Doubt, TBA
The Offspring, TBA
Primus, TBA
Rush, Clockwork Angels
Sum 41, Screaming Bloody Murder
The Ting Tings, TBA
Tool, TBA
Maybe this year:
Aphex Twin, TBA
Beck, TBA
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, TBA
Red Hot Chili Peppers, TBA
Wilco, TBA
Don't hold your breath
Jane's Addiction, TBA
Metallica, TBA
Soundgarden, TBA
Stevie Wonder, The Gospel Inspired by Lula
ZZ Top, TBA